Even if the Liberal-dominated House Justice Committee votes to hold a hearing, it’s unclear whether a summon to appear would be enough to compel the government to lift its solicitor-client privilege.

Justice Minister David Lametti addresses questions over whether the government will waive its solicitor-client privilege in the case involving SNC-Lavalin. The prime minister said on Monday that he has instructed Mr. Lametti to look into the possibility of lifting the privilege. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Justice Minister David Lametti on Monday refused to comment on whether the government would waive its solicitor-client privilege to address the allegations that it sought to interfere in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, but attempted to assuage concerns that the institutional independence of his office has been compromised.

Gerald Butts has removed himself from the daily political grind of strategizing how to keep the Liberals in power. But observers say it's unlikely he will be consigned to watch the campaign unfold from the sidelines.

SNC-Lavalin risks a takeover if it's convicted. But aside from likely outrage in Quebec, Ottawa can find other builders for its infrastructure plans if the company is banned from bidding on federal contracts, experts say

The Quebec company had extensive access to government ministers and top staffers, and was the only organization registered to lobby for allowing deferred prosecution agreements for white collar crimes.